Captain – Shaun Falconer / South African
Captain (Rotational)
When one thinks of the type of Captain Shaun might have chosen to be, the image of a heavy-sea navigating pirate immediately springs to mind. However, aboard King Baby, being a pirate doesn’t mean emulating the notorious ‘Jack Sparrows’ of lore. Instead, it refers to a sharply dressed, eloquent, and quick-witted professional. Captain Shaun boasts a diverse and robust career, one that has uniquely shaped his journey to life aboard a motor yacht. His prior expertise in legal practice, fused with his exceptional organizational skills and leadership, has transformed King Baby into one of the best yacht programs there is. From the far reaches of glacier mountains in Alaska, the remote islands of Fiji and French Polynesia to the sun-kissed white sands of the Bahamas, Shaun has navigated the globe’s oceans. His unique experiences have given him the skills and aptitude to provide 7-star service at sea while always being in the safest of hands.
When not steering King Baby’s course, he’s likely to be immersed in a travel adventure with his cherished family or engrossed in a DIY project at his residence.
Languages Spoken: English and Afrikaans
Interests: Skiing, Family, Traveling, Keeping his wife happy
Previous Yachts: M/Y Triton, M/Y Lady S
Captain – Jarred DuPreez / South African
Captain (Rotational)
Meet Captain Jarred, our proficient helmsman, sailing with a twinkle in his eye and a splash of humor in his wake. His journey began far from the seas, growing up on a farm in the highlands of South Africa, embracing the rustic life. With 14 years spent navigating the globe under his epaulettes, Jarred is part yacht captain, part ocean philosopher. Whether decoding ancient maritime mysteries or hiking a rugged trail, he’s as comfortable with a compass as he is with a set of dive gear. Captain Jarred is a consummate professional who combines a passion for the sea with a dedication to providing unparalleled luxury yacht experiences on board King Baby. With a strong emphasis on safety, water sports, and guest satisfaction, he consistently delivers unforgettable voyages that exceed the expectations of all clients. When is not navigating the high seas, you can find Captain Jarred belting out sea shanties at the karaoke, or partaking in some costume dress-ups that would make Davy Jones jealous – if you are lucky enough you will get to experience both while enjoying everything King Baby has to offer.
Languages Spoken: English and Afrikaans
Interests: Reading, Staying fit, spending time with friends and family, trying to marry a Texan so he can wear a Rodeo belt buckle.
Previous Yachts: Emina, Club M, Carpe Diem
Chef – Graham Stephenson / Canadian
Graham was raised in the small seaside town of St Andrews, located on Canada’s East Coast on the shores of the Passamaquoddy Bay, an inlet of the Bay Of Fundy. Along this coast, he realized his passion for cookery while working in some of the eastern provinces’ most notable restaurants such as the Rossmount Inn and Agricola Street Brasserie, under chefs Chris Aerni and Ludovic Eveno among others. After over 15 years in restaurants, Graham moved to the sea to experience life as a yacht chef. Here he finds a revived excitement for travel and food. Graham has a passion for a farm-to-table or sea-to-table menu. He loves using the best local ingredients available to create thoughtful locally inspired dishes. Chef Graham is back onboard KING BABY – yes, he was the previous chef back in 2022-2023 and we are super excited he is with us again! We would like to highlight that Graham was our long-term chef and the owner and charter guests LOVED him –
Graham is 100% proven.
Languages Spoken: English
Interests:
Previous Yachts:
Chief Officer – Trevor Burgess / South African
Meet Trevor Burgess, our charismatic First Officer who grew up on the beaches of KwaZulu Natal where he learned to sail before riding a bike. He decided to leave home after spending 40 days with his parents competing in the Cape to Rio Yacht Race and first served at sea as a Concierge aboard The World, a private residential ship, where he visited almost 100 countries. On board King Baby, Trev will be your fairy godfather making your every wish come true. But Trevor isn’t just fun, he will ensure the entire family is safe on that efoil relay race or snorkeling on the reef. Trev has a magic touch of making everyone feel like part of the family aboard King Baby while also pulling out endless water toys for fun in the sun. When not at the helm of a boat, Trev’s most likely munching chip rolls, perfecting his downward dog, or exploring the PNW with his partner and their pup.
Languages: English
Interests: Surfing, Destination planning, Chess, Showing off his belt buckle because he already married a Texan.
Previous Yachts: M/V Nansen Explorer, M/Y Moonshadow, M/Y Mia Elise II
Chief Stewardess (Rotational) / American – Michelle Riherd
Michelle is the reigning Chief Stew on board King Baby, and boy, does she wear that crown with pride! Hailing from Michigan, this yachting sensation swapped out spring break for salty air during her college years, and she hasn’t looked back since. Charm? She’s got it in spades. Michelle’s charismatic aura, coupled with her love for mingling and globe-troting, makes her a gem in the King Baby dynasty. Prepare to be pampered with her top-notch service and those meticulous little touches that leave guests hooked and wanting more. And that smile of hers? It’s infectious! Before you know it, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear, caught up in her carefree whirlwind. Off the yacht, Michelle’s a restless adventurer at heart. From squash courts and golf courses to rugged hiking trails and adrenaline-packed dirt biking, she’s all about soaking up new experiences. If there’s a horizon, trust Michelle to be on her way to explore it!
Languages: English
Interests: Squash, Golf, Hiking, Dirt Biking and Exploration
Previous Yachts: M/Y Avalon, M/Y Amarula Sun, M/Y Usher
Chief Stewardess (Rotational) / American Abigail (Abbey) Pettinger
Abbey hails from a suburb of Chicago and it’s no surprise that the Windy City’s vibrant energy inspired her to dive headfirst into event management, hospitality, and tourism. She soon found herself studying abroad in Palma De Mallorca, Spain — where she not only fell in love with tapas, sunshine, and siestas but also discovered the high-flying, champagne-sipping world of yachting. For the past five years, Abbey has spent her time traveling, learning the ropes, and soaking in the luxury and excitement of life on the water. Each new adventure brought its own set of rewards, but now, Abbey is especially excited to return to one of her favorite vessels, M/Y King Baby. There’s something about the energy of that yacht and the crew that feels like home, and Abbey can’t wait to set sail once again with a fresh perspective and renewed passion. A sweet soul with a mischievous streak, Abbey is always up for a good prank, a laugh, and keeping things lighthearted — whether it’s playing tricks on the crew or showing you the best secret spots around the world. When she’s not steering the ship (literally and figuratively), Abbey’s off exploring new places, sampling local delicacies and staying active. Looking for some humor into your day? Abbey’s your go-to — guaranteed to lift your spirits with a cheeky grin and a witty remark! Nationality: American Languages: English Interests: Hiking, Napping, Beaching, Reading, Lounging, Margaritas Previous Yachts: Mystic, King Baby, Lucky Lady
Natioanality: American
Languages: English
Interests: Hiking, Napping, Beaching, Reading, Lounging, Margaritas
Previous Yachts: Mystic, King Baby, Lucky Lady
2nd Stewardess – Baillee Brooklyn / Australia
Meet Baillee Brooklyn, the sunshine soul from Queensland, Australia! Growing up in a coastal paradise, her heart has always belonged to the ocean. After diving into her passion for scuba diving and recently qualifying as a dive master, Baillee is ready to share her underwater adventures with you. At just 19, she embarked on her yachting career and hasn’t looked back since! With her energetic and bubbly personality, Baillee ensures every moment onboard M/Y King Baby is filled with warmth and great guest services. Whether she’s whipping up creative cocktails or crafting stunning table settings, Baillees’s flair for hospitality shines through. Always on the lookout for the next adventure, Baillee is eager to make your yachting experience unforgettable! Nationality: Australian Languages Spoken: English Interests: Scuba Diving, Swimming, Hiking Previous Yachts: BOLD, Chasing Daylight, Emina
Languages Spoken:
Interests:
Previous Yachts:
3rd Steward – Ruan Erasmus / South African
Meet Ruan, the steward you never knew you needed on board! Ruan left behind the bustling hospitality world for the call of the open sea, and he hasn’t looked back since. With an eye for detail that rivals a jeweler’s, he’s mastered the art of creating spotless, inviting spaces that make every guest feel right at home—especially on board the luxurious King Baby. With a professional yet quirky touch, Ruan’s your go-to for seamless service and those thoughtful details that make all the difference. Whether it’s ensuring fresh linens, keeping the interior sparkling, or making sure every guest has exactly what they need, he brings a level of care that turns routine tasks into luxury experiences. And his humor? It’s the kind that’ll have you smiling before your morning coffee even hits the table. When he’s not on board, Ruan is out embracing farm life, finding joy in the simplicity of nature and the hard work that comes with it. He’s a lifelong learner, always seeking new skills and adventures—whether it’s exploring new culinary techniques or venturing out on a hiking trail. With his warm South African smile and adventurous spirit, he’s here to make your yachting experience unforgettable.
Languages Spoken: English, Afrikaans
Interests: farm life, hiking and camping, gardening, planting new ideas and watching them grow into something un-be-leaf-able, photography
Chief Engineer (Rotational) / South African – Kennan Fairlamb
Where to kick off with King Baby’s resident Sensei, Kennan? Perhaps with a “wax on, wax off” reference, but that might be too on the nose. Wearing the triple crown as our Chief Engineer, design guru, and ship’s very own Mr. Miyagi, Kennan’s talents stretch far and wide. Boasting a third Dan black belt in karate, he’s not just our mechanical genius, but also the guy you want on your side in a (friendly) bar brawl. Originally from the sandy beaches of Cape Town, South Africa, it’s rumored Kennan’s first word was “waves.” His coastal upbringing led him to a life on the high seas. While he might often be hidden in the engine room or crafting another nifty design, his role is the unsung heartbeat of King Baby’s success. Ever curious about how something ticks aboard? Give Kennan a shout. But fair warning: if you’re not careful, you might just get a karate lesson in the process! When the tools are packed away, Kennan is found designing business ideas and constantly creating new things.
Languages Spoken: English
Interests: Karate, Photography, Tools, Fixing things, His Fiancé
Previous Yachts: M/Y Big Fish, M/Y Triton, M/Y Bella
Chief Engineer (Rotationl) New Zealand / Josh Wilson
Meet Josh, the ocean-loving, car-obsessed, boat-fixing pro who’s all about making your time on board unforgettable! Growing up with his dad owning a boat shop, Josh was practically raised on the water. But it’s not just boats that get his heart racing—he’s got a serious passion for cars too. Whether it’s fine-tuning an engine or swapping out parts, Josh knows his way around a garage as well as he does the open sea. Friendly and charismatic, Josh is the guy who’s always ready to lend a hand. His love for teamwork means he’s got a knack for creating a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere on board—whether it’s helping with a mechanical issue or just sharing a laugh. He’s the kind of person who makes you feel like family from the moment you step on board, all while ensuring everything runs as smoothly as a well-oiled engine. When he’s not out on the water or tinkering with boats, you’ll find him in his garage, getting his hands dirty and working on the latest car project. With Josh, you’re in good hands—his passion for both the sea and cars is only matched by his enthusiasm for making your charter experience one to remember.
Languages Spoken: English
Interests: Cars, Golf, Wake boarding
Previous Yachts: Driftwood, Ad-Vantage, Lucky Lady
Bosun – Rob Remesis / Latvia
Meet Rob, our Latvian adventurer hailing from a pint-sized paradise in Northern Europe! With a family tree full of sailors and fishermen, Rob was practically born with a compass in hand, soaking up tales of epic maritime escapades along the stunning Baltic Sea. This globe-trotter has journeyed through a smorgasbord of European countries, all while honing his legal skills for three years—because who doesn’t want to trade a courtroom for the high seas? When he’s not sailing into the sunset, you can find Rob perfecting his salsa moves (or trying to, at least) while keeping his two furry sidekicks in line. Ask him about dogs, not dance steps, because he’s definitely a better pet parent than a salsa star! And if you’re in the mood for trivia, Rob’s your go-to guy for quirky facts about Europe, politics, and all the delightful tidbits he’
